Customizable necktie

ABSTRACT

A necktie is disclosed. The necktie includes a knot portion that can be secured at or around a neck of a wearer. The knot portion includes a simulated knot having a front loop and a first attachment mechanism positioned on the simulated knot and covered by the front loop. The first attachment mechanism is accessible via an opening. The necktie also includes a blade portion. The blade portion includes a second attachment mechanism that can releasably attach to the first attachment mechanism.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure relates to neckwear. In particular, customizableneckties and systems that include a knot portion configured to besecured at or around a wearer's neck and a removably attachable bladeportion are disclosed.

Description

A necktie is a long strip of cloth or other material that is frequentlyworn around the neck. Neckties are commonly considered a staple of men'sbusiness or formal attire but can also be worn by women. Commonly, anecktie is worn under a shirt collar and knotted at the throat, with thetie knot resting between the collar points. Neckties are available in awide range of colors, patterns, shapes, and styles.

SUMMARY

The embodiments disclosed herein have several aspects no single one ofwhich is solely responsible for the disclosure's desirable attributes.Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, its more prominentfeatures will now be briefly discussed. After considering thisdiscussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description,” one will understand how the features of theembodiments described herein provide advantages over existing neckties.

In a first aspect, a necktie is disclosed. The necktie includes a knotportion configured to be secured at or around a neck of a wearer. Theknot portion includes a simulated knot having a front loop, and a firstattachment mechanism positioned on the simulated knot and covered by thefront loop. The first attachment mechanism is accessible via an opening.The necktie also includes a blade portion having a second attachmentmechanism configured to releasably attach to the first attachmentmechanism. The second attachment mechanism is positioned on the bladeportion proximal to a top end of the blade portion.

In some embodiments, the knot portion further comprises a first strapextending from a first side of the simulated knot, a third attachmentmechanism positioned on a distal end of the first strap, a second strapextending from a second side of the simulated knot, and a fourthattachment mechanism positioned on a distal end of the second strap. Insome embodiments, the third attachment mechanism is configured toreleasably attach to the fourth attachment mechanism to secure the knotportion around the wearer's neck. In some embodiments, the knot portionfurther comprises a continuous band configured to secure the knotportion around the wearer's neck. In some embodiments, the continuousband includes an elastic portion. In some embodiments, the knot portionfurther comprises a clip configured to secure the knot portion to acollar of a shirt. In some embodiments, the blade portion comprises afront blade portion and a rear blade portion. In some embodiments, theblade portion is reversible. In some embodiments, the second attachmentmechanism of the blade portion comprises an attachment mechanism on afirst side of the blade portion and an attachment mechanism on a secondside of the blade portion. In some embodiments, the first and secondattachment mechanisms comprise hook and loop material. In someembodiments, the first and second attachment mechanisms comprise snaps.In some embodiments, the first and second attachment mechanisms comprisea hook-and-eye closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the first andsecond attachment mechanisms comprise a magnetic closure mechanism.

In another aspect, a customizable necktie system is disclosed. Thesystem includes at least one knot portion including a simulated knot anda first attachment mechanism. The system also includes a plurality ofblade portions, each including a second attachment mechanism configuredto releasably attach to the first attachment mechanism of the at leastone knot portion.

In some embodiments, the second attachment mechanism of any of theplurality of blade portions is configured to releasably attach to thefirst attachment mechanism of the knot portion. In some embodiments, theat least one knot portion comprises a plurality of knot portions, eachof the plurality of knot portion including the first attachmentmechanism. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of knotportions comprises a simulated knot of a first type that is differentthan at least one of the other of the plurality of knot portions. Insome embodiments, the second attachment mechanism of any of theplurality of blade portions can releasably attach to the firstattachment mechanism of any of the plurality of knot portions. In someembodiments, at least one of the plurality of blade portions isreversible. In some embodiments, the first and second attachmentmechanisms comprise hook and loop material, snaps, or a hook-and-eyeclosure mechanism.

In another aspect, a necktie includes a knot portion including asimulated knot and a means for securing the knot portion at or around aneck of a wearer, a blade portion, and a means for releasably attachingthe blade portion to the knot portion. In some embodiments, the meansfor securing the knot portion at or around a neck of the wearer isselected from the group consisting of a first strap and a second strap,a continuous elastic band, a continuous band comprising an elasticportion, and a clip. In some embodiments, the means for releasablyattaching the blade portion to the knot portion is selected from thegroup consisting of hook and loop material, a snap, a button and abutton hole, a hook-and-eye closure, a magnetic fastener, a pin, and atack.

In another aspect, a kit is disclosed. The kit includes at least oneknot portion including a simulated knot and a first attachmentmechanism. The kit also includes at least one blade portion, the atleast one blade portion including a second attachment mechanismconfigured to releasably attach to the first attachment mechanism of theat least one knot portion.

In some embodiments, the at least one knot portion comprises a pluralityof knot portions. In some embodiments, the at least one blade portioncomprises a plurality of blade portions. In some embodiments, the secondattachment mechanism of any of the at least one blade portions isconfigured to releasably attach to the first attachment mechanism of anyof the at least one knot portions. In some embodiments, at least one ofthe plurality of knot portions comprises a simulated knot of a firsttype that is different than at least one of the other of the pluralityof knot portions. In some embodiments, the second attachment mechanismof any of the plurality of blade portions can releasably attach to thefirst attachment mechanism of any of the plurality of knot portions. Insome embodiments, at least one of the plurality of blade portions isreversible. In some embodiments, the first and second attachmentmechanisms comprise hook and loop material, snaps, or a hook-and-eyeclosure mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the disclosure will become morefully apparent from the following description and appended claims, takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings may not beto scale.

FIG. 1A illustrates a knot portion and a blade portion of an embodimentof a customizable necktie in an unattached configuration.

FIG. 1B illustrates the knot portion and the blade portion of thecustomizable necktie of FIG. 1A in an attached configuration.

FIG. 2A is a front detail view of an embodiment of a knot portion for acustomizable necktie.

FIG. 2B is a cutaway front detail view of the knot portion of FIG. 2A,which illustrates an embodiment of an attachment mechanism on the knotportion for attaching the blade portion to the knot portion.

FIG. 2C is a back detail view of the knot portion of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an embodiment of a blade portion for acustomizable necktie.

FIG. 3B is a back view of the blade portion of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a detail view of an embodiment an attachment mechanism on theblade portion for attaching the blade portion to the knot portion.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an embodiment of a reversible blade portionfor a customizable necktie.

FIG. 4B is a back view of the reversible blade portion of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of a knot portion for a customizable necktie.

FIG. 6A is a front view an embodiment of a clip-on knot portion for acustomizable necktie.

FIG. 6B is a back view of the clip-on knot portion of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A illustrates a knot portion and a wing portion of an embodimentof a customizable bowtie in an unattached configuration.

FIG. 7B illustrates the knot portion and the wing portion of thecustomizable bowtie of FIG. 7A in an attached configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to neckties, and in particular, to customizableneckties and systems. In some embodiments, a customizable necktieincludes a knot portion. The knot portion can be configured to securedaround a wearer's neck or to a wearer's shirt or collar and can includea knot. In some embodiments, the knot is a simulated or preformed knotthat has the appearance of any knot that is used to tie a necktie (forexample, a Windsor knot, a half-Windsor knot, a four-in-hand knot, aPratt knot, bolo etc.). In some embodiments, the knot portion comprisesan insert covered in fabric. The customizable necktie can also include ablade portion that is removably attachable to the knot portion. Whenattached to the knot portion, the blade portion hangs down from the knotportion and has an appearance that is similar or identical to atraditional necktie.

In some embodiments, a customizable necktie system can include at leastone knot portion and a plurality of different blade portions. Each ofthe plurality of different blade portions can have a different color,pattern, style, and/or shape. To create a customizable necktie, a wearercan select and attach any of the plurality of different blade portionsto the knot portion. The style and appearance of the customizablenecktie can be varied by selecting and attaching different bladeportions to the knot portion. In some embodiments, a customizablenecktie system also includes a plurality of knot portions of differentcolors, patterns, styles, etc.

The customizable neckties and systems described herein can provide oneor more advantages over traditional neckties. For example, in someembodiments, a customizable necktie does not require the wearer to tiethe necktie. Instead, the wearer can simply attach (as will be morefully described below) a blade portion to a knot portion that includes asimulated or preformed knot. This can be advantageous as many wearersmay find executing the knots traditionally used to tie neckties to bedifficult. As another example, in some embodiments, the customizableneckties described herein allow a user to vary the style and appearanceof the customizable necktie by combining different blade portions withdifferent knot portions. In some embodiments, for example, acustomizable necktie allows a user to pair a blade portion of a firstcolor with a knot portion of a second color to create a necktie that hasa knot that is a different color than the blade—such an appearance isnot readily achievable with traditional neckties.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar symbols typicallyidentify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Thus, insome embodiments, part numbers can be used for similar components inmultiple figures, or part numbers can vary from figure to figure. Theillustrative embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting.Other embodiments can be utilized, and other changes can be made,without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matterpresented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the presentdisclosure and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted,combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations bya person of ordinary skill in the art, all of which are made part ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a knot portion 102 and a blade portion 120 of anembodiment of a customizable necktie 100. The knot portion 102 isconfigured to be secured around a wearer's neck and includes a knot 104.The blade portion 120 is configured in size and shape to correspond tothe portion of a conventional necktie that hangs below the knot. In FIG.1A, the knot portion 102 and the blade portion 120 are illustrated in anunattached configuration; however, the blade portion 120 can bereleasably attached to the knot portion 102 as shown in the attachedconfiguration of FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, in the attachedconfiguration, the necktie 100 has an appearance that is similar oridentical to a conventional necktie. That is, in some embodiments, whenthe necktie 100 is worn by a wearer, it may not be readily apparent toan observer that the necktie 100 is not a conventional necktie.

With reference to FIG. 1A, the knot portion 102 includes a knot 104 asnoted above. In some embodiments, the knot 104 is a simulated orpreformed knot. That is, the knot 104 can be configured with the shapeof a knot, but need not be actually tied by a wearer. The knot 104 canhave the appearance of any knot that is used to tie a conventionalnecktie, such as a Windsor knot, a half-Windsor knot, a four-in-handknot, a Pratt knot, etc. In some embodiments, the knot 104 is made frommaterials that are commonly used in conventional neckties, including,but not limited to, a silk or polyester shell surrounding an interliningmaterial made of brushed wool or other similar materials. In someembodiments, the knot 104 can be formed by first tying a length offabric into a knot shape and then sewing the fabric together such thatthe knot cannot be undone. In some embodiments, the knot 104 cancomprise fabric covered insert has the shape of a knot. For example, aninsert can be formed that has the general shape of a knot and coveredwith fabric so as to have the appearance of a knot. The insert can bemade from, for example, plastic, metal, wood, rubber, foam, a paddingmaterial, a batting material, etc.

The knot 104 includes an attachment mechanism 106. The attachmentmechanism 106 is configured to allow the blade portion 120 to attach tothe knot 104. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 106 of theknot 104 attaches to a corresponding attachment mechanism 128 on theblade portion 120. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 106 ofthe knot 104 is not externally visible. For example, in the illustratedembodiment, the attachment mechanism 106 is hidden below (and is thusillustrated with dashed lines) a front loop 108 of the knot 104. Thefront loop 108 of the knot 104 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 2Aand 2B. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment mechanism 106 isaccessible via an opening 110. The opening 110 can be formed in thebottom of the knot 104. The opening 110 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 2C. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 106 is positionedon the back of the knot 104 such that it is not visible when the necktie100 is worn.

The blade portion 120 includes an attachment mechanism 128. Theattachment mechanism 128 of the blade portion 120 is configured toreleasably attach to the attachment mechanism 106 of the knot portion102. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the attachment mechanism128 is positioned on a back side 125 of the blade portion 120 and thusis illustrated with dashed lines. In the illustrated embodiment, theattachment mechanism 128 is positioned proximal to a top end 122 of theblade portion 120. For example, in some embodiments, the attachmentmechanism 128 is positioned within 2 inches, within 1.75 inches, within1.5 inches, within 1.25 inches, within 1.0 inches, within 0.75 inches,0.5 inches, or within 0.25 inches of the top 122 of the blade portion120.

As noted previously, the attachment mechanism 128 of the blade portion120 is configured to correspond with and releasably attach to theattachment mechanism 106 of the knot portion 102. For example, theattachment mechanisms 106, 128 can comprise hook and loop material(e.g., Velcro), snaps, buttons and button holes, hook-and-eye closures,magnetic fasteners, pins, tacks, or any other suitable type ofattachment mechanism. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms106, 128 are not externally visible or apparent when the necktie 100 isworn. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 106, 128 arevisible.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 128 of the blade portion120 is releasably attached to the attachment mechanism 106 of the knotportion 102 by inserting the top end 122 of the blade portion 120through the opening 110 in the knot 104 and underneath the front loop108 of the knot 104 until the attachment mechanism 128 reaches theattachment mechanism 106.

In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 106, 128 comprise a tietack that is inserted through both the knot 104 and the blade portion128 to attach the blade portion 128 to the knot portion 102. Forexample, the top end 122 of the blade portion 120 can be insertedthrough the opening 110 below the front flap 108. A tie tack can bepushed through the front flap 108 and the top end 122 of the bladeportion 120 to releasably attach the blade portion 120 to the knotportion 102.

With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A and1B, the knot portion 102 includes a neck portion 107 that extends fromthe knot 104. The neck portion 107 is configured to secure the knotportion 102 around a user's neck. As illustrated, the neck portion 107includes a first strap 112 and second strap 114. The first strap 112extends from a first side of the knot 104 and the second strap 114extends from a second side of the knot 104. An attachment mechanism 116is positioned proximal to the end of the first strap 112 andcorresponding attachment mechanism 118 is positioned proximal to the endof the second strap 114. The attachment mechanism 116 is configured toattach to the attachment mechanism 118 to releasably attach the firststrap 112 to the second strap 114 as shown in FIG. 1B. The attachmentmechanisms 116, 118 can comprise, for example, hook and loop material(e.g. Velcro), snaps, buttons and button holes, hook-and-eye closures,magnetic fasteners, buckles (e.g., similar to a belt), pins, tacks, orany other suitable type of attachment mechanism.

In some embodiments, the first and second straps 112, 114 are configuredto accommodate (in other words, fit) a range of neck sizes. For example,the attachment mechanism 118 can attach to the attachment mechanism 116at a first location such that the neck portion 107 forms a firstcircumference, and the attachment mechanism 118 can attach to theattachment mechanism 116 at a second location such that the neck portion107 forms a second circumference. In some embodiments, the neck portion107 can be configured to accommodate necks between 8 and 20 inches,between 10 and 19 inches, between 12 and 18 inches, and between 14 and18 inches, although other ranges are also possible. In some embodiments,the first and second straps 112, 114 are the same length. In someembodiments, the first strap 112 is longer than the second strap 114 orvice versa. In some embodiments, the neck portion 107 comprises acontinuous loop as shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the neckportion 107 is omitted and the knot portion 102 includes a clip that isused to attach the knot portion 102 to a shirt as shown in FIGS. 6A and6B.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first and second straps112, 114 of the neck portion 107 can be configured to fit under a shirtcollar in a manner similar to a convention necktie, such that the knot104 is positioned on a wearer's throat generally between the points ofthe shirt collar. As such, in some embodiments, the first and secondstraps 112, 114 are configured in size and shape to have a width W thatcan be hidden under a shirt collar. For example, in some embodiments,the first and second straps 112, 114 can have a width W of approximatelyno more than 1.5 inches, no more than 1.25 inches, no more than 1.0inches, no more than 0.75 inches, no more than 0.25 inches, or thinner,although other widths are also possible. In some embodiments, the firstand second straps 112, 114 can have a thickness that is comparable tothe thickness of a conventional necktie or thinner.

In some embodiments, the first and second straps 112, 114 of the neckportion 107 extend from the knot 104 with an appearance that is similaror identical to a conventional necktie when worn. In some embodiments,the neck portion 107, including the first and second straps 112, 114, ismade from materials that are commonly used in conventional neckties,including, but not limited to, a silk or polyester shell surrounding aninterlining material of brushed wool or other similar materials.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, the blade portion 120 has theappearance of the visible portion of the blade of a conventionalnecktie. As shown, the blade portion extends between top end 122 and tip126. A length L, measured between the top end 122 and the tip 126, canbe configured to correspond to the length of the visible portion of theblade of a conventional necktie (as measured between the knot and thetip of the conventional necktie). For example, in some embodiments, thelength L can be between 15 inches and 25 inches long, although otherlengths are possible. For example, the length L can be 2 inches, 4inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, 10 inches, 12, inches 14 inches, 16 inches,18 inches, 20 inches, 22 inches, 24 inches, 26 inches, 28 inches, 30inches, as well as any value or range therebetween. In some embodiments,the length L is longer than 30 inches. In some embodiments, the length Lis chosen to correspond to the particular wearer such that when thenecktie 100 is worn, the tip 126 of the blade portion 120 fallsapproximately at the wearer's belt buckle, although the length L can belonger or shorter depending on the wearer's preference.

The blade portion 120 includes a front blade 121 which corresponds tothe front blade, wide blade, or visual portion below the knot of aconventional necktie. In some embodiments, the blade portion 120 mayalso include a rear blade 134 (see FIG. 3B) that corresponds to the backblade or narrow blade of a conventional necktie. In the illustratedembodiment of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the front blade 121 tapers outwardly fromthe top end 122 to a wide point 124 before tapering inwardly to the tip126. The angle of these tapers can be varied without limit depending onstyle. For example, the front blade 121 can have a shape that mimics aconventional tie, a wide/fat tie, a narrow/skinny tie, or any other typeof tie without limit. In some embodiments, the blade portion 120 is madefrom materials that are commonly used in conventional neckties,including, but not limited to, a silk or polyester shell surrounding aninterlining material of brushed wool or other similar materials.

When worn, a front surface 123 of the front blade 121 is visible and aback surface 125 of the front blade 121 is positioned against a wearer'sbody. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanism 128 is positioned onthe back surface 125 of the blade portion 121. In some embodiments, theattachment mechanism 128 is configured on the front surface 123 of thefront blade 121. In some embodiments, the rear blade 134 is omitted.

FIG. 1B illustrates the knot portion 102 and the blade portion 120 ofthe necktie 100 in an attached configuration. As shown, the top end 122of the blade portion 120 is positioned below the front flap 108 of theknot 104 (by inserting the top end 122 through the opening 110) suchthat the attachment mechanism 128 of the blade portion 120 releasablyattaches to the attachment mechanism 106 of the knot portion 102.Although the connection between the blade portion 120 and the knotportion 102 is illustrated using dashed lines in FIG. 1B, in someembodiments, this connection is not readily apparent to an observer,such that the necktie 100 appears to be a conventional necktie. In FIG.1B, the first strap 112 is illustrated attached to the second strap 114(attachment mechanism 116 is attached to attachment mechanism 118) as ifthe knot portion 102 were secured around a wearer's neck.

Although FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate only one knot portion 102 and oneblade portion 120, a system for customizable ties may include more thanone of either, such that knot portions 102 can be mixed and matched withblade portions 122 to create various combinations and styles. Forexample, a plurality of knot portions 102 can be provided in variouscolors and patterns, and with different sizes and types of knots.Similarly, a plurality of blade portions 122 can be provided in variouscolors, patterns, lengths, shapes, etc. In some embodiments, any of theplurality of blade portions 122 can be attached to any of the pluralityof knot portions 102. A particular advantage of some embodiments ofcustomizable tie systems is that a wearer can create a tie with a knotof a first color or pattern and a blade of a second color or pattern tocreate a look that is not readily achievable with a conventionalnecktie.

FIG. 2A is a front detail view of an embodiment of a knot portion 102.As shown, the front loop 108 wraps over an inner surface 130 of the knot104. A portion of the inner surface 130 may be visible between first andsecond straps 112, 114. In some embodiments, the front loop 108comprises a strip of material that extends transversely across the knot104 (for example, from the right of the knot 104 to the left of the knot104 relative to the orientation shown in FIG. 2A). FIG. 2B is a cutawayfront detail view of the knot portion 102 of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2B, aportion of the front loop 108 has been cutaway to illustrate an exampleposition of the attachment mechanism 106. In the illustrated embodiment,the attachment mechanism 106 comprises two eyes 132 (for example, eyesof a hook-and-eye type closure) attached to the inner surface 130 belowthe front loop 108. Other numbers of eyes 132, such as one, two, three,four, or more, may also be used. FIG. 2C is a back detail view of theknot portion 102 of FIG. 2A. The opening 110 is shown in FIG. 2C. Theopening 110 can be formed by the space between the front loop 108 andthe inner surface 130. The opening 110 can be configured to allow accessbelow the front loop 108 to the attachment mechanism 106 (e.g., the eyes132) positioned on the inner surface 130 of the knot. Otherconfigurations for the knot portion 102, as well as other placements ofthe attachment mechanism 106 are possible. In some embodiments, theattachment mechanism 106 can be placed on an interior surface of theinner loop 108.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are front and back views of an embodiment of a bladeportion 120. FIG. 3A shows the front side 123 of the front blade 121which extends from the top end 122 to the wide point 124 to the tip 126as previously described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown inthe back view FIG. 3B, the underside of the blade portion 120 can havean appearance which mimics a conventional necktie. For example, anunderside of the blade portion 120 can include a back blade 134. Theback blade 134 can be attached to the top blade 121 at the top end 122.A keeper loop 136 can be attached to the back side 125 of the frontblade 121 and configured to help hide the back blade 134 below the frontblade 121. Tipping material 138 can be included at the tips of the backsides of the back blade 134 and the front blade 121 to mimic theappearance of a conventional necktie. In some embodiments, theattachment mechanism 128 is positioned on the back blade 134 proximal tothe top end 122.

FIG. 3C is a detail view of an embodiment an attachment mechanism 128 onthe blade portion 120 of FIG. 3B. In the illustrated embodiment, theattachment mechanism 128 includes two hooks 142 (for example, hooks of ahook-and-eye type closure) for attaching the blade portion 120 to theknot portion 102. Other numbers of hooks 142, for example, one, two,three, four, or more are possible. In some embodiments, the two hooks142 are positioned to attach to the two eyes 132 shown in FIG. 2B. FIG.3C also illustrates an example stitch 140 that secures the front blade121 to the back blade 134. In some embodiments, the front blade 121 andthe back blade 134 are continuous and the stitch 140 defines a foldbetween the front blade 121 and the back blade 134. In some embodiments,the stitch line 140 is proximal to the top end 122, for example, within1.0 inches, within 0.5 inches, within 0.25 inches, or within 0.125inches, although other placements of the stitch line 140 are possible.In some embodiments, the stitch 140 is not visible when the bladeportion 120 is attached to the knot portion 102. In some embodiments,the stitch 140 is above (i.e., nearer the top end 122 than) theattachment mechanism 128. In some embodiments, the stitch 140 is below(i.e., further from the top end 122 than) the attachment mechanism 128.In some embodiments, multiple stitches 140 are included. In someembodiments, the stitch 140 is omitted.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are front and back views of an embodiment of areversible blade portion 220 for a customizable necktie 100. Thereversible blade portion 220 includes a front side 223 (FIG. 4A) and aback side 225 (FIG. 4B). The front side 223 includes an attachmentmechanism 228 a and the back side 225 includes an attachment mechanism228 b. Because the reversible blade portion 220 includes attachmentmechanisms 228 a, 228 b on each side 223, 225 it can be attached to aknot portion 102 with either the front side 223 or the back side 225exposed. In some embodiments, the front side 221 includes first color orpattern and the back side 223 includes a second color or pattern. Thus,a wearer can change the appearance of a customizable tie 100 includingthe reversible blade portion 220 by simply flipping the reversible bladeportion 220 to expose the opposite side.

FIG. 5 is another embodiment of a knot portion 302 for the customizablenecktie 100. The knot portion 302 includes a neck portion that isconfigured as a continuous band 307. In some embodiments, the continuousband 307 is elastic such that it can be stretched to slip over awearer's head and then tighten in place around a wearer's neck. In someembodiments, the continuous band includes an elastic portion 309 thatallows the knot portion 302 to be stretched to slip over a wearer's headand then tighten in place around a wearer's neck.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and back views an embodiment of a clip-on knotportion 402 for the customizable necktie 100. The clip-on knot portion402 includes a knot 402 and attachment mechanism 406 similar to thosedescribed above. As shown in the back view of FIG. 6B, the clip-on knotportion 402 includes a clip 436. The clip 436 can extend from the backside 434 of the knot 404. The clip 436 can be used to clip the knotportion 402 to a user's collar to secure the knot portion 402 instead ofthe straps or continuous band previously described.

Although the preceding description has focused on customizable neckties,a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theprinciples disclosed herein are applicable to other types of neckwear.For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a customizable bowtie 500.

FIG. 7A illustrates a knot portion 502 and a wing portion 520 of anembodiment of a customizable bowtie 500 in an unattached configuration.FIG. 7B illustrates the knot portion 502 and the wing portion 520 of thecustomizable bowtie 500 in an attached configuration. The knot portion502 includes a knot 504 that can be a fabricated or preformed knot. Theknot 504 includes a front loop 508. An attachment mechanism 508 ispositioned below the front loop 508 and is accessible via openings 510on both sides of the knot 504. First and second straps 512, 514,including attachment mechanisms 516, 518 extend from the knot 504 andare configured to allow the knot portion 502 to be attached around awearer's neck.

The wing portion 502 includes a first wing 522 and a second wing 524connected by a central portion 526. An attachment mechanism 528 isincluded on the central portion 526. As shown in FIG. 7B, in theattached configuration, the wing portion 520 is pulled under the frontloop 508 such that attachment mechanism 528 releasably attaches to theattachment mechanism 506 and the first and second wings 522, 524 extendout the openings 510. A plurality of wing portions 520 in differentcolors, patterns, shapes, and sizes can be provided such that a wearercan customize the appearance of the bowtie 500.

In some embodiments, the customizable neckties described herein areconfigured to be worn with a collared shirt; however, this need not bethe case in all embodiments. For example, a customizable necktie can beworn with a collarless shirt or no shirt at all.

A kit for a customizable necktie can include one or more knot portionspackaged together with one or more blade portions. Any of the one ormore blade portions can be releasably attached to any of the one or moreknot portions to create a customizable necktie. A user may vary theappearance and style of the customizable necktie by mixing and matchingknot portions and blade portions.

Although described above with reference to being worn by a person, thisdisclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a customizable necktieas described herein can be configured for use by animals. As such, aknot portion of a customizable necktie can be configured to attach at oraround a neck of an animal.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems,devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however,that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems,devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also statedabove, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology whendescribing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not betaken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to berestricted to including any specific characteristics of the features oraspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and changes can be made without departing from the scopeof the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intendedto fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciatedby those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment areinterchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from adepicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments inany combination. For example, any of the various components describedherein and/or depicted in the Figures can be combined, interchanged orexcluded from other embodiments.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations can be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such anintent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence ofsuch recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid tounderstanding, the following appended claims can contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claimrecitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed toimply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinitearticles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing suchintroduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). It will be further understood by those within the art thatvirtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including oneof the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, thephrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

The term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended anddoes not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The above description discloses several methods and materials of thepresent invention. This invention is susceptible to modifications in themethods and materials, as well as alterations in the fabrication methodsand equipment. Such modifications will become apparent to those skilledin the art from a consideration of this disclosure or practice of theinvention disclosed herein. Consequently, it is not intended that thisinvention be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, butthat it cover all modifications and alternatives coming within the truescope and spirit of the invention as embodied in the attached claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A necktie consisting of: a knot portionconfigured to be secured around a neck of a wearer, the knot portionconsisting of: a simulated knot having a front loop configured as astrip of material that extends transversely across the simulated knot,wherein the front loop wraps over an inner surface of the knot and anopening is formed between the front loop and the inner surface, a firstattachment mechanism consisting of two eyes positioned on the innersurface of the simulated knot and covered by the front loop, wherein thefirst attachment mechanism is accessible through the opening, andwherein the two eyes are spaced apart, and a neck portion extending fromthe simulated knot, the neck portion consisting of: a first strapextending from a first side of the simulated knot and a first fastenerpositioned on a distal end of the first strap; a second strap extendingfrom a second side of the simulated knot and second fastener positionedon a distal end of the second strap, wherein the first fastener isconfigured to releasably attach to the second fastener to secure theknot portion around the neck; and a blade portion consisting of a frontblade, a rear blade, and a second attachment mechanism configured toreleasably attach to the first attachment mechanism, wherein the secondattachment mechanism is positioned on the blade portion proximal to atop end of the blade portion, and wherein the second attachmentmechanism consists of two hooks configured to attached to the two eyesof the first attachment mechanism of the knot portion such that, whenattached the blade portion hangs from the knot portion.
 2. The necktieof claim 1, wherein the first and second fasteners consist of hook andloop material.
 3. The necktie of claim 1, wherein the first and secondfasteners consist of snaps.
 4. The necktie of claim 1, wherein the firstand second fasteners consist of a magnetic closure mechanism.
 5. Thenecktie of claim 1, wherein the simulated knot is configured to be oneof a Windsor knot, a half-Windsor knot, a four-in-hand knot, and a Prattknot.
 6. A necktie consisting of: a knot portion configured to besecured around a neck of a wearer, the knot portion consisting of: asimulated knot having a front loop configured as a strip of materialthat extends transversely across the simulated knot, wherein the frontloop wraps over an inner surface of the knot and an opening is formedbetween the front loop and the inner surface, a first attachmentmechanism consisting of two hooks positioned on the inner surface of thesimulated knot and covered by the front loop, wherein the firstattachment mechanism is accessible through the opening, and wherein thetwo hooks are spaced apart, and a neck portion extending from thesimulated knot, the neck portion consisting of: a first strap extendingfrom a first side of the simulated knot and a first fastener positionedon a distal end of the first strap; a second strap extending from asecond side of the simulated knot and second fastener positioned on adistal end of the second strap, wherein the first fastener is configuredto releasably attach to the second fastener to secure the knot portionaround the neck; and a blade portion consisting of a front blade, a rearblade, and a second attachment mechanism configured to releasably attachto the first attachment mechanism, wherein the second attachmentmechanism is positioned on the blade portion proximal to a top end ofthe blade portion, and wherein the second attachment mechanism consistsof two eyes configured to attached to the two hooks of the firstattachment mechanism of the knot portion such that, when attached theblade portion hangs from the knot portion.
 7. The necktie of claim 6,wherein the simulated knot is configured to be one of a Windsor knot, ahalf-Windsor knot, a four-in-hand knot, and a Pratt knot.
 8. The necktieof claim 6, wherein the first and second fasteners consist of hook andloop material.
 9. The necktie of claim 6, wherein the first and secondfasteners consist of snaps.
 10. The necktie of claim 6, wherein thefirst and second fasteners consist of a magnetic closure system.